How to completely disable the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Mi 10T: safe methods and consequences

The proximity sensor on the Xiaomi Mi 10T is a useful feature that automatically turns off the screen during a phone conversation to prevent accidental brushing with the cheek or ear. However, many users face problems: the sensor is too sensitive, the screen does not turn on after a call or turns off during games / video watching. In some cases, the sensor begins to “glut” after updating the MIUI or mechanical damage (for example, after changing the glass).

In this article, we’ll look at three proven ways to disable the proximity sensor on the Mi 10T, from standard settings to the use of engineering menus and ADB commands. You’ll also learn why disabling the sensor can increase battery life by 5–12% (based on MIUI 12–14 tests) and how to avoid typical errors when manipulating system parameters. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights – we’ll point out where this is critical.

Why turn off the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Mi 10T?

At first glance, the proximity sensor seems to be a minor element, but its incorrect operation can seriously interfere with:

• 📞 Missed calls: The screen does not turn on after the conversation is over and you do not see the “Out” button».
• 🎮 False positives in games: the sensor takes the hand for the “obstacle” and extinguishes the display (relevant to the game). PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: The sensor is constantly questioned by the system, even when the phone is lying on the table.
• 🛠️ Hardware problems: After a fall or repair, the sensor may not work stable (for example, it will be triggered by bright light).

According to service centers, up to 15% of calls on Xiaomi Mi 10T are related to malfunctions of the proximity sensor – most often after self-replacement of the display module. If you do not plan to call through the headset or use the phone mainly for multimedia, disabling the sensor can be a rational solution.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in system options. It does not require root rights or additional programs, but does not work on all versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12.5, the function can be hidden).

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the All settings section → System → More.
3. Find the Approximation Sensor (may be called Smart Screen or Screen at the time of the call).
4. Turn off the slider next to the option Automatically turn off the screen.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find the Phone app and open its settings.
3. Turn on the screen always on during the call (if available).

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Backup your settings (Settings → Additional → Backup)

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged.

Close all background applications-->

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Doesn't work on firmware below. MIUI 12.
• ❌ Does not turn off the sensor completely - only its effect on the screen during calls.
• ❌ After updating the system, the settings may reset.

💡

If the sensor is triggered by bright light (such as the sun), try to stick a thin black film on the sensor area (near the speaker), which will reduce sensitivity without completely turning off.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

The engineering menu (#4636##) allows you to manually calibrate or disable the proximity sensor, which works on most versions of MIUI, but requires caution - incorrect settings can lead to failures.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Testing (or Engineering Menu).
3. Scroll down to the Sensors section and find Proximity Sensor.
4. You can tap the sensor, and it'll show a schedule.

For permanent shutdown:

1. In the engineering menu, go to Hardware Testing → Sensor → Proximity Sensor.
2. Find the parameter. proximity_offset and set the value 255.
3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the parameters in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the light sensors or gyroscope. If after manipulation the phone begins to overheat or discharge quickly, reset the settings through Settings → Reset.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can disable the sensor via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to a PC and unlocking the bootloader (on the Xiaomi Mi 10T, this is done via the Mi Unlock Tool).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 1

To return the original settings, use:

adb shell settings put global proximity_sensor_disabled 0

Alternative method (requires root):

su


echo 0 > /sys/class/sensors/proximity/enable

⚠️ Note: Disconnect the sensor through ADB It may conflict with some applications (e.g. Google Pay or bank clients) because they check the integrity of the system. If contactless payments stop working after completing commands, return the settings back.

Checking the operability of the sensor after disconnection

To make sure that the sensor is actually turned off, perform the following tests:

• 📱 Call test: Call your phone and put your hand up to the top of the screen, and if the sensor is turned off, the screen must not go out.
• 🔦 Flashlight test: Light a flashlight on the sensor area (near the front camera.
• 📊 Checking through apps: Install CPU-Z Sensor Test from Google Play and check the status of Proximity Sensor.

If the sensor is still working, it may only be disabled at the interface level and the hardware is still working, in which case only a physical shutdown (such as kernel flashing) or a replacement of the display module will help.

💡

Disabling the proximity sensor does not affect the operation of Face Unlock or gestures on the Xiaomi Mi 10T – these features are used by other sensors (infrared camera and gyroscope).

Possible problems and solutions

After the sensor is turned off, Mi 10T users may face the following difficulties:

If after disconnecting the sensor, the phone began to overheat or spontaneously reboot, this may indicate:

• Conflict with the castom core (if established).
• Damage to system files when working through ADB.
• Hardware malfunction (for example, short circuit on the sensor plume).

In such cases, it is recommended to reset to factory settings or reflash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the proximity sensor on Xiaomi Mi 10T